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Given vs. Provided — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
"Given" typically refers to something assumed or understood without being stated, while "provided" suggests a condition or provision explicitly stated.
Given vs. Provided — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Given and Provided

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Key Differences

"Given" is often used to introduce information that is assumed or accepted as a basis for reasoning, while "provided" is commonly used to introduce a condition or stipulation.
In legal and formal contexts, "given" can signify something granted or bestowed, whereas "provided" often introduces prerequisites or conditions that must be met.
In mathematical or logical expressions, "given" is used to state known quantities or premises, while "provided" is used to set forth conditions under which a statement holds.
"Given" implies a passive acceptance or assumption of facts, while "provided" suggests an active role in setting conditions or criteria.
In everyday communication, "given" might be less formally used to mean simply "considering," whereas "provided" is more specific and tied closely to conditions being fulfilled.
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Comparison Chart

Usage in Speech

Commonly used to introduce assumptions
Often introduces conditions or prerequisites

Context

Academic, logical reasoning, general discussion
Legal, formal agreements, specific conditions

Implication

Passive acceptance or assumption
Active provision of criteria or stipulations

Tone

Can be informal or formal
Usually formal

Example in Sentence

"Given the circumstances, we must act cautiously."
"You can go to the party, provided you finish your work."

Compare with Definitions

Given

Granted as a premise.
Given that no one objected, the motion passed unanimously.

Provided

On the condition or stipulation that.
You can borrow the book, provided you return it tomorrow.

Given

Understood or implied.
It's a given that he will be late.

Provided

Supplied or made available.
The necessary tools were provided at the workshop.

Given

Having specified characteristics.
He is a given expert in his field.

Provided

Specifying a prerequisite.
He agreed to come, provided that he could bring a friend.

Given

Accepted as a premise or starting point.
Given the late hour, we should start heading home.

Provided

Given as a condition.
Access is granted, provided that you have a valid ID.

Given

Specified or fixed.
We will meet at the given time and place.

Provided

Equipped with what is necessary.
The apartment is provided with all utilities included.

Given

Past participle of give.

Provided

On the condition; if
Will pay the bonus provided the job is completed on time.

Given

Specified; fixed
We will meet at a given time and location.

Provided

Only if (the stipulation that follows is true).
You can go to the party provided you finish all your homework first.

Given

Granted as a supposition; acknowledged or assumed
Given the condition of the engine, it is a wonder that it even starts.

Provided

Simple past tense and past participle of provide

Given

Having a tendency; inclined
My neighbor is given to lavish spending.

Provided

On condition; by stipulation; with the understanding; if; - usually followed by that; as, provided that nothing in this act shall prejudice the rights of any person whatever.
Provided the deductions are logical, they seem almost indifferent to their truth.

Given

Bestowed as a gift; presented.

Given

Something assumed or taken for granted
"It's a given that the writer of short stories will be keeping his day job" (Donald E. Westlake).

Given

Inflection of give

Given

Considering; taking into account.
Given the current situation, I don't think that's possible.

Given

A condition that is assumed to be true without further evaluation.
When evaluating this math problem, don't forget to read the givens.

Given

Already arranged. en

Given

Currently discussed. en

Given

Particular, specific.
No more than three people can be in that space at a given time.

Given

Assumed as fact or hypothesis.
Given that we will get the resources, what do we want to achieve?

Given

(with to) Prone, disposed.
He was given to taking a couple of glasses of port at his club.

Given

Granted; assumed; supposed to be known; set forth as a known quantity, relation, or premise.

Given

Stated; fixed; as, in a given time.

Given

An assumption that is taken for granted

Given

Specified in advance;
A given number
We will meet at a given time and location

Given

Acknowledged as a supposition;
Given the engine's condition, it is a wonder that it started

Given

Having possession delivered or transferred without compensation

Given

(usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward;
He is apt to ignore matters he considers unimportant
I am not minded to answer any questions

Common Curiosities

What are typical scenarios where "provided" is preferred over "given"?

"Provided" is preferred in legal and formal texts where explicit conditions need to be stated.

Can "provided" be used interchangeably with "if"?

Yes, "provided" can often replace "if" in contexts where conditions or stipulations are being set.

Is "given" always used in past tense?

No, "given" in the context of assumptions is not a verb and thus does not have tense.

Is "given" used in mathematical contexts?

Yes, it is commonly used to indicate known variables or conditions in mathematical contexts.

Does "given" imply certainty?

Not necessarily, it implies assumption rather than confirmed certainty.

How does the tone differ between "given" and "provided"?

"Given" can be informal or formal, whereas "provided" usually has a formal tone.

Can "provided" imply a guarantee?

Yes, it implies that if the conditions are met, what follows is guaranteed.

What is the difference in implication between "given" and "provided"?

"Given" implies something assumed without needing evidence, whereas "provided" implies conditions that limit or specify.

Does "provided" have synonyms that can be used in its place?

Synonyms include "if" and "assuming," depending on the context.

What is the primary use of "given" in academic writing?

"Given" is used to introduce facts or premises that are assumed to be true for the purpose of argumentation or explanation.

Can "given" be considered a conjunction?

In the context of introducing premises, it acts like a conjunction but is technically a participle.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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